Farewell Abuela
2:11 PM |
| Abuela and I on my 4th of July birthday in San Francisco |
Several days ago, I received the sad news from family in the U.S. that my 96-yearold Abuela left us. I was at a loss for words. As my facebook newsfeed were filled with words of love for her, I dealt with it in silence. I wondered for a moment if my deceased father fetched her that day, partly happy that she'll reunite with her son and husband in paradise.
She has lived a full life, blessed with a wonderful family who loves her dearly. I've always known her to be a strong and intelligent woman. Before I was born, she was a college Chemistry professor at a university in the Philippines. She was also an excellent cook. She indulged us with Spanish inspired cuisine when we were little whenever she comes home for holidays in the Philippines where I spent summers with her and my cousins. She was a stickler for proper etiquette and poor table manners were never tolerated on the table.
Alzheimers started eating away her memories during her last decade. There were times she'd remember me after introducing myself along with the name of my father. It was sad though seeing her cry whenever she heard his name. She referred to him as "my son who passed away." On a lighter note, she never forgot the Periodic Table and all the Elements.
I am always grateful for the opportunity to see her and the entire family based in the U.S. in 2009. Coincidentally, it was also my birthday. For the next posts, I will reminisce on our vacation in San Francisco. While I do so, I'll be thinking about her.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.
Love & Light,
Arni
